When deciding on a career, you have many options and opportunities available to you. Training for a job in trades can provide you with many benefits throughout your career that may include the following:

The trades industry encompasses many different career paths and training requirements. Some of the most popular careers in the trades are listed here:

British Columbia is experiencing strong economic growth, which is expected to expand demand for skilled tradespeople. Beginning your training for a trades career can allow you to enjoy a reliable source of income while, for example, building the housing and infrastructure needed to create a brighter tomorrow. Here are eight of the most important reasons to consider a career in the trades in BC.

When considering a career, salary will typically be a big part of your decision. Most apprentices in the trades in BC receive a wage during their practical training. Salaries for tradespeople typically start at above the minimum wage and go up from there, which can make it much more practical for you to invest in trades training and to begin your new career in a better financial position. Within two years of graduating, most graduates of apprenticeship programs make $34 per hour and 94 percent of graduates are employed, almost all on a full-time basis. This can add up to increased earning potential from your very first day on the job.

Because you can potentially earn good wages from your first day of practical experience, you can earn more throughout your career. Your wages will typically increase as your skills and experience grow. This can add up to increased savings and financial resources that can allow you to invest in major purchases more quickly and with greater confidence.

The 2019 BC Construction Industry Survey indicates that tradespeople are highly satisfied with their career choices, with 82 percent describing their mental health as the same or improved over the previous year. About 85 percent said their financial health had stayed the same or improved year-to-year, and 91 percent responded that their physical health had improved or stayed the same over that same time period. If a high level of job satisfaction is important to you, pursuing a career in the trades in BC could be the right option for improving your experience in the workplace and your overall quality of life.

Especially for those in the service trades, the satisfaction of helping customers with repairs, new installations and other services can also be a factor in choosing these types of careers. If you are interested in a job that will allow you to make a real difference in the lives of your clients and customers, a career in the trades could be the right choice for you.

Apprenticeship programs and trades training are typically less expensive and take less time than comparable undergraduate programs. In many cases, apprentices are paid a wage throughout their training, which can allow you to defray expenses while you learn. By contrast, students pursuing an undergraduate degree typically cannot practice in their chosen industry until they have completed or nearly completed their education.

By managing the cost of training and education, you can often start your career in a better financial position. This can allow you to enjoy greater flexibility in managing purchases, saving for a home or accumulating the necessary funds to start your own business in the future. A lower cost of entry to your chosen profession can help you get the right start in your career and in your life.

Positions for tradespeople are nearly always available thanks to high demand for these important services. According to the latest BC Labour Market Outlook, a variety of industries are expected to have over 85,000 job openings in the skilled trades over the next 10 years.

If you are interested in training for one of these skilled trades, your job prospects in British Columbia are very good. You can often combine your classroom training with on-the-job experience to give you a head start on your career once you have the qualifications needed. Whether you want to study plumbing, construction, HVAC repair or any other skilled trades in BC, you can be confident that jobs in your field will be available when you complete your training.

Most trades require ongoing education to keep you current with the latest developments in your industry. Many of these skills are easily transferable to other career paths, which can make it much easier for you to transition to new roles and new jobs if you wish. Many of the skills you will use every day in your trade can be adapted to other roles, which will ensure that you stay in demand throughout your career.

By updating your education and undergoing training as you need it, you can put your hard-earned hands-on experience to work now and in the future. Many ongoing education courses are available, some of which are low-cost or free for those in the trades. Certifications, qualifications and credentials are often key selling points both for obtaining employment and for attracting customers to your business.

Because the services offered by tradespeople are always in demand, you can enjoy real job security and stability. Continuing shortages of workers in the trades can ensure that you can find gainful employment at the conclusion of your training. This can help you to enjoy greater peace of mind about your career choices and your prospects for employment in the future.

Many tradespeople work in large companies to provide services to their customers. In these cases, you may receive benefits that include health insurance, dental plans and access to retirement plans through your employer. These added benefits can provide you with greater financial security while you are employed and after you retire. Additionally, if you start your own business, you can set aside funds for these expenses and can provide greater job security for your valued employees.

Canada is committed to pay equity for all workers, regardless of gender or race. The Pay Equity Act requires federally regulated employers with 10 or more employees to act to correct gender wage gaps and to continue to work proactively to ensure pay equity throughout their companies. These regulations do not apply to all trades workers. However, many tradespeople enjoy these important protections for equal pay.

If you decide on a career in the trades, you can often enjoy equal pay for your work and equal opportunities for employment and advancement. With an estimated 700,000 tradespeople expected to retire by 2028, you can expect abundant employment opportunities at the conclusion of your training program.

Are you looking for a career in the trades in BC? Our lineup of available trade training programs can provide you with easy access to the educational programs you need to achieve your goals. At Trades Training BC, we are committed to helping you find the right career training and the right foundation for building a better future for yourself and those you love.

One major advantage of going into trades in BC is the potential for starting your own business. Skilled and experienced tradespeople can often transition from valued employees to business owners, which can allow you to become your own boss and even to hire employees of your own. If you are interested in starting your own company, choosing a career in the trades can often be the best way to achieve this goal.

Making sure you have all the relevant certifications and qualifications for your chosen career is essential to your new business enterprise. Tradespeople typically engage in lifelong learning to keep up with new developments in their chosen profession. If you plan to start your own business, making sure that you are up-to-date on all qualifications can help you attract customers more easily and can ensure that you have the best possible chance for success.